Software testing is traditionally seen as a difficult and time consuming activity that is hard to embed in the software development process. This book provides a different view. It explains to stakeholders how testing can add value to software development and doing business, and provides the tester with practical information.

TestGoal is not just another methodology. Several good testing methodologies exist. But, like any other profession, also testing encompasses more than the simple application of a methodology. After all, strict adherence to a specific methodology is no guarantee for success. Success stems from the mindset, enthusiasm, knowledge and skill of the tester. These factors determine whether a methodology is applied successfully and whether testing takes on a result-driven character. And that’s what TestGoal is about: a result-driven attitude, testing principles and expertise as fundament, and a hands-on six step plan to enable result-driven testing.

Derk-Jan de Grood and his colleagues from Collis, an international software testing company, know about the main pitfalls in test projects from their extensive professional experience. TestGoal has emerged from the office floor and captures over a decade of best practice. TestGoal is made by professionals for professionals, and it combines the mindset, knowledge, and skills required to add value with testing and make software development more successful.

This book explains in a clear language how you can make testing result-driven. It explains why testing is important and describes all of the activities involved in testing. It is enriched with recognizable examples, practical tips and useful checklists. This makes it a "GO kit" that enables testers to immediately get started and add value to their organization.

Derk-Jan de Grood has broad, hands-on experience as a test engineer, test manager and advisor in a large range of industries. As manager of a test department he learned how to implement test methods the practical way. He gives lectures at various Dutch universities and is author of the first educational book specially written for teaching software testing at Dutch universities.

As an ISTQB/ISEB practitioner certified test manager, he coaches the test experts of Collis. Besides that, he is a passionate, inspiring speaker at major testing conferences all over the world such as the STAR conferences in the USA and Europe

"I am excited by this book! Inside, the reader will find "essential gems" that enable him to take the goals of the business to heart. More than proving that the system does what it was designed to do, we can now answer whether the system delivers results, contributes to the business goals, and enables the business to be successful!" - Donna McLeod, Test Manager, Canada

"TestGoal is a very welcome addition to the list of test related publications. Its special power is in the descriptions of the test activities. When appropriate these are supported with reference to other sources." - Jeroen Rosink, Test Consultant, The Netherlands

"Congratulations on your new book, it looks great. And I know that it is not only the outside that is of high quality." - Martin Pol, 1st Winner of the European Testing Excellence Award, The Netherlands

"Focus on business goals. Align your work with those goals. Eliminate work that does not add value to the business - this is today's management mantra. All good advice. But few in the testing community truly understand what that kind of alignment means. Derk-Jan de Grood is one of those few." -Lee Copeland, USA

"TestGoal provides a practical view on the profession of the software tester. TestGoal is a true addition to the numerous publications in this field." - Stephanie van Dijk, Test Manager, The Netherlands

"TestGoal puts special attention to the person behind the tester. The story is told from the author’s and his colleagues’ own experience. As a result, the description is much more user-centered than in other books on testing. With TestGoal, Derk-Jan adds a valuable contribution to the software testing library." - Jens Pass, Chairman of Eurostar 2006, Belgium

"I loved the book and I love its concept, and I will definitely use it at work. TestGoal is a must read for everyone who invests in today’s ever growing software technology. Whether you are enhancing existing systems or developing new systems, this book provides a unique and effective testing approach which involves everyone from stakeholders to developers and users. Derk-Jan's enthusiasm is contagious and this book will remain a presence in your daily work dealings in the business world of software technology." - Therese Schoch, Quality Assurance Manager, USA

"TestGoal is an extremely useful book, which can be applied without further ado. I needed to set up a defect-administration. With the book at hand it was done in a single afternoon." - Hans van Loenhoud, Test Manager, The Netherlands

"This is a great book. It is a thorough and comprehensive guide to delivering value through sensible testing on diverse software projects. It is also very practical with many examples. Testing will improve thanks to the "Result-Driven Testing" approach of TestGoal." -Erik Petersen, Test Consultant, Australia

"I read the Book, I am impressed. It gives a good overview and is readable, understandable and substantive." - Hans Peeters, Sales Manager, The Netherlands

"TestGoal presents testing concepts in a very simple and easy understandable way. In an unprecedented way, it brings more professionalism to the trade. The tips and hints are very helpful, making TestGoal a good reference book. A job well done." - Fariba Marvasti, Test Manager, USA

"... if you want to envision testing from a business-management point of view, this is a good start." from the ACM Reviews by Robert Glass, Computing Trends, USA